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The Minister of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning met with Seychelles Revenue Commission staff over 2 meetings in May.

May 30, 2017

The Minister of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning called on staff and management at SRC to work more closely together as well as promote transparency and ensure good service delivery to the public. 

In two separate meetings conducted with staff and senior management team of the SRC, the Minister. Dr. Peter Larose stated the these meetings were follow up meetings following his familiarization visits and the general staff meeting held earlier this year at the ICCS.

Dr. Larose mentioned that the objective of these meetings is to listen to staffs’ concerns and suggestions on how to improve the working environment for maximum revenue generation and service delivery. Minister Larose said; “I expect nothing but honest and constructive meetings for the Ministry to move forward. You are the front-line staffs and you should know what is best for our country. This is a very important Ministry and we should do our best to lead by example as much as possible”. 

The meetings were conducted on Friday 12th and 19th May respectively, and the main issues and challenges, which came out in both meetings were; (1) Customs staff rotation policy, (2) lack of adequate human resources to support the increased in the level of commercial transaction, (3) a clear plan of staff recruitment and retention, (4) revised scheme of service, (5) inadequate office space, (6)shortage of space for Customs Division and the Government Warehouse, (7) insurance cover, (8) inadequate risk allowance, (9) unavailability of a health & safety officer, (10) limitations of IT systems (Asycuda World and the Client Management System), (11) policy on the acceptance of gifts, (13) transport services for staffs, (14) training plan for career development, amongst others. 

Following concerns raised by a number of staff, in regards to leadership, the Minister stated that he expects to re-organize and modernize SRC, including Customs. He said; “ I cannot reorganize the Division without knowing the existing constraints and concerns. I strongly believe in consulting with the staffs, who are our precious assets. Once I come up with a plan, then everyone will be on board because they would feel satisfied that they have been consulted for their views.

Minister Larose mentioned the next Revenue Commissioner, the new Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Customs will be selected from high caliber professionals. 

Staff also expressed their concerns regarding the Department of Public Administration, DPA. It was proposed that bearing in mind the nature of the roles, mandate and being an agency, SRC, should have its autonomy.

Customs officers also pointed out that they are facing problems when dealing with difficult clients especially at the airport terminal upon entry into Seychelles.  Customs officers have claimed that they are constantly being emotionally abused on social media. The proposal of a risk allowance and some form of insurance for staff was lengthily discussed in both meetings. 

The Minister Larose reiterated that the Scheme of Service, is being reviewed and the need to review also the risk allowance is imperative. “I want all staff to be motivated and protected; we need to be prepared and put ourselves on the world standard”, says Dr Larose. ” I am determined to take care of the welfare of all our staffs and make you happy. However, I have to be realistic that some problems cannot be resolved overnight but I ask you all to be patient and to continue to work in harmony. You will eventually see the difference, continued the Minister.

In a statement that was brought forth by one SRC staff; “allowances given to other law enforcement officers such as the police, NDEA, Fire and Rescue officers, amongst others, why are we not included?  We should be given the respect and autonomy we deserve, if we want to move forward”.

Other issues of discussions involved proper safety equipment for staff especially in high risk areas such as for disposal at the landfill, as well as a list of staff requiring medical tests will also be forwarded for immediate action.

The next step now is to conduct another meeting as was requested after the 12th May staff meeting to put context and evidence around some of the issues that were raised.A proposed draft of the recommendations that came out of the two meetings will be presented and discussed with the President for his consideration.

Also present at the meeting was Mr Patrick Payet the Principal Secretary for Finance, Ms. Cillia Mangroo, the Principal Secretary for Trade, Ms. Alison Lister the Acting Revenue Commissioner, Ms. Marie-France Fanchette the Assistant Commissioner for Tax Division, Mr Andy Julie the Assistant Commissioner for Support Services, and Ms. Mellene Volcere the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Customs.

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